Chapter 12: Moose Loves Camille
Moose PoV:
You could tell me I was wrong, but right now I'd disagree with you, I truly was the luckiest man on earth. My girl was the most incredible woman to exist, and by some lucky stroke of fate, she wanted to be mine.
Camille had genuinely surprised me by ditching her class, showing up at the Vault, bringing my favorite candy, and then cooking my Nonna's secret lasagna. If I didn't love her already I would have definitely fallen in love with her today.
While I held her in my lap after dinner I just wanted to explain how she made me feel. In truth I wanted to tell her how much I loved her. I knew she loved me, I wasn't trying to be cocky or anything, but I had known from the start. As soon as I realized my feelings for her, I understood that she had been in love with me for a long time.
The two things holding me back were the fear that using the words might change things, and finding a way to tell her that was special. She deserved to be treated special. I didn't want to just blurt it out anytime, especially if we had just been having a heavy make-out session. That would make it seem like I was saying it to get in her pants.
We were in this perfect private world, enjoying spending time together, I nearly told her right then, but then I felt her lips on my neck. I couldn't help how deeply I groaned, it felt so good. And then she did it again, taking her time. All thought was gone from my brain, Camille had discovered my weakness.
As her sneak attack on my neck continued I lost control of how my body was reacting to her. I had to stop this before it went too far. She was too enticing for her own good. After I got her to understand that we needed to slow down, I let her know that this wasn't over. She was definitely going to pay for teasing the Moose. Two could definitely play this game.
Her look of horror was funny. Did she really think I was going to let her get away with that? Sufficiently calmed I headed back to finish my work so we could leave for the night.
We walked down the hallway hand in hand, no gross noises coming from her room, the door was slightly open. That meant two things, Karni was there, and she was alone. Willard was most likely in our room, there was no way Cam, and I would get to spend another night cuddling.
Cam, opened the door and greeted Karni, before placing her coat on her bed and a stack of the flyers we had brought with us on her desk.
"I'll be right back, don't lock up yet, I'm just going to say goodnight to Moose".
She came back out to me and closed the door behind her lightly.
"Guess this is it". She sounded just as disappointed as I felt.
"Guess, so", I answered.
"Moose?", her voice wavered a bit.
"No, no, no. None of that Miss, Gage", I interrupted. "Don't you go getting all mopey on me. I won't be able to leave you if I know you're upset".
I smiled my most charming smile, I was doing my best to pull us both out of this sad feeling. It worked because she smiled back.
"Our lives are busy, class, study, assignments, friends, the crew, the club. So what? We got this, baby, because we have each other. Anything life throws at us, we got this".
My words must have been just the right ones, because she jumped up into my arms. I caught her easily and held her tight.
"You're right, Moose", she said as she slid back down. "We do got this, thank you".
"My pleasure. Now can I get a kiss goodnight, from the most beautiful girl on campus, please?"
Her answering smile was bright, not a trace of sadness at all.
Good job Moose, I told myself.
Camille lifted her chin as I bent to take her lips in mine. I kept the kiss soft and light, because I had other plans. It was time to get back at my little minx and leave the night on a lighter note.
Quickly scanning the hallway to make sure we were alone, I pressed Cam up against the wall next to her door before I brought my lips to her neck. The movement caught her off guard, she definitely wasn't prepared for this.
"Moose", her voice started surprised and ended up breathy as she felt my lips on her neck.
With each open mouthed kiss, and soft bite I placed on her skin, her knees got weaker. Soon I was the only thing holding her up. Camille's soft gasps and moans were payment for teasing me.
I was thoroughly enjoying myself, her noises were really freaking sexy. As her boyfriend of course I wanted to turn her on, however I decided to let her off the hook before things went too far, but not before one last push. My teeth on her neck just below her ear, I bit a little harder and sucked gently leaving a very faint mark. She groaned so loud I thought for sure someone was going to peek out of their door and see us.
I brought my lips up to her ear I whispered, "Did you really think I'd forget my promise to get you back, you devious devil?"
She gasped in surprise this time. I felt her body go rigid in my arms and she was once again able to stand on her own. Moving back a little so I could see her face, I grinned down at her in victory. Cam's look of absolute shock made me chuckle. At first an angry glare flashed in her eyes, but it softened quickly as she smiled shyly.
"No, I knew you'd make good on your promise. You really suck, Moose. Do you know that?", she asked trying to sound mad, but I knew she wasn't.
She continued, "I guess I deserved that, though, for teasing you".
She pushed me and punched my arm hard.
"I guess I deserved that", I offered.
Both of us laughed, then realized we were a little too loud. People were probably trying to study or sleep, but it helped lighten the mood just as I intended.
"You didn't leave a mark on me did you?", her hands flew up to the spot I had just bit.
I pushed her hair to the side to see it clearly "No Cam, It's just a little pink. I promise it won't stay".
"Good because I think hickeys are seriously tacky", she grumbled trying to sound responsible and adult like, but she really just looked cute as hell.
"So you've said", I teased.
It wasn't exactly a good place for this conversation to go because I remember the exact day she told me. It was sophomore year, I had a date with one of the girls from MSA whom the crew liked to call 'Moose Groupies'. The girl had attacked my neck and left a huge purple mark.
When I showed up at school the next day Camille was really upset. I didn't understand it then, but now I knew why. She just told me it made her mad that anyone would try to mark another human being as property. She also said that girl was probably trying to send a message to the other girls who liked me. I knew she was right, I did not go on a second date with that girl.
Not really wanting Camille's mind to go to that same memory right now, I calmed her worries.
"I wouldn't do that to you, Cam. I know you don't like it", I winked at her.
"Thanks, Moose. I should have known better".
"Yeah, you should have", I joked acting all hurt and upset, "Don't you know me at all? I'm supposed to be your best friend".
Her laugh was loud and again we realized we better be more quiet. I was just happy to be making her laugh so easily again.
"Okay baby, I better go. It's getting late, and we both have coursework due".
Gathering her up into my arms I held her close and kissed her softly.
"Text you in a bit, okay?", I asked.
Camille nodded her head as she snuggled into my chest. I kissed the top of her head and turned to leave before things got sad again.
After finishing up my circuit board I rubbed my eyes, yawned and grabbed for my phone.
To Cam: Still awake?
From Cam: Yeah, just finished up some reading. So tired.
To Cam: Me too, gonna knock out.
From Cam: It was a long day.
To Cam: Yep. Tell the girls I said 'hi' when you see them tomorrow.
From Cam: I will. Sweet dreams, my Moose.
I couldn't help my smile at her words. I was most definitely her Moose.
To Cam: Guaranteed, they'll be about you.
My phone didn't chime for five minutes so I figured she had gone to sleep. Just as I was getting under my blankets and about to charge my phone, it lit up.
From Cam: Moose?
To Cam: Yeah, baby?
From Cam: Miss you.
To Cam: Miss you too.
The next few days were a frenzy of classes, engineering lab time, wiring, dance project rehearsals, trips to and from the Vault to work on more wiring, handing out flyers on campus, eat, sleep, shower, rinse, repeat.
I felt like I was operating on autopilot, and I was seriously worn out. However I was happy to be so busy because it kept me from missing Camille too much. Every time my mind would wander to her, some other task needed to get done. The constant schedule had me unable to dwell on my thoughts and feelings for too long, for that I was grateful.
The only moments in my day that were not an absolute blur were when I'd get a text from Cam, or when I texted her. Every single time my phone went off, a deranged smile would show on my face. I must have looked like a psychotic clown on meds.
Our texts were never anything special, just us checking in with each other. It was a way to keep us connected when we couldn't be together. Still they made my boring, hectic days a little brighter.
But the two brightest moments in the past few days only lasted about five minutes each. The first when I ran across campus to meet Cam as her class let out to attack her in kisses before running to my next class; the second when she did the same for me the next day.
Camille seemed to be feeling the same about our busy schedule though. She called me this afternoon while I was installing the lights with Jason. I could tell she missed me as much as I missed her, but she expressed the relief of being overly occupied as well.
Finally it was Saturday, I was going to spend some quality time with my baby tonight, and I couldn't wait. Packing up an outfit for the club re-opening, as well as something to sleep in, and clothes for tomorrow, I headed to Brooklyn. Jason, and I just finished the lighting, Anala seeing how exhausted I looked sent me upstairs to nap while the rest of the crew cleaned up and prepared the club.
Before I closed my eyes I needed to talk to my girl. I just wanted to hear her voice. She answered on the first ring, and I smiled to myself. She must have been just as eager to hear from me as I was to talk to her.
"Moose", she sighed happily.
I couldn't help how my grin grew on my sleepy face as I laid back in Luke's bed.
"Hello beautiful. Whatchadoin?", I asked stifling a yawn.
"Shopping with Kristin, Jenny, and Mimi for outfits for tonight. You sound tired, I'm worried about you."
"I am very tired, but no need to worry, I'm about to take a nap. So shopping with the girls, huh? You must be having the time of your life", I teased sarcastically.
Camille was not the type of girl who truly enjoyed doing really girly things, so I knew she must have been a little uncomfortable in her current situation. I figured making her laugh would help.
She giggled, "Oh yes, so thrilling", she joked back.
"Find anything you like?".
I'll admit I was curious. Last time she dressed up for the Halloween Do-Over, she looked so hot I nearly jumped her.
"Not really, but the girls keep trying to convince me to buy this barely there top they found. They keep saying it would look great on me, but I really don't know, Moose, I'm too embarrassed to try it on. They keep insisting I should get it".
At this I sat up again in Luke's bed. 'Barely there top'? that did not bode well for me and my control over my hormones at all. The naughty Moose was seriously wanting to see this top on Camille, but the gentleman in me won out of course.
"Oh really? Cam, don't let them convince you to do something you don't want. If you like it, and want to wear it that is a different story, if you don't like it and you're uncomfortable then don't let them change your mind. Go with your own feelings".
"I just want to look good for you, Moose", she whispered sounding a little unsure of herself.
Oh no, this wouldn't do. I had to make sure she understood how I felt.
"Cam, you're beautiful no matter what you wear. I told you I always find you sexy. If you want to wear something special, go ahead, but if you showed up in a dirty t-shirt or a garbage bag I'd still think you are hot. There is no need to worry about that".
She laughed loudly, sounding more like herself.
"Ah, there ya go", I smiled, knowing I made her feel better. "Now go and have some fun with your friends, okay? I need to get to sleep so I can have naughty dreams about you".
"Thanks Moose", she laughed again. "You always make me feel better. Go, sleep. I'll see you tonight".
"Can't wait".
My Camille itch sufficiently scratched I set my alarm, laid down and closed my eyes.
The alarm buzzed waking me just seconds before my phone chimed. I rubbed the sleep out of my eyes as I grabbed it.
From Cam: On our way. See you soon.
To Cam: Okay, gonna go shower and dress.
From Cam: Meet you in the club?
To Cam: Yup, I'll be the guy searching for his hot girlfriend.
I wanted to look as good for my girl as she wanted to look for me so I took extra care putting myself together tonight. Clean black jeans, and a light blue button down with the top three buttons undone, because I knew it would make her look. Finishing it out I was donning my light up kicks from the World Jam. I decided to not wear a hat, Cam loved my curls and tonight she was going to have them uncovered for her to touch whenever she wanted.
By the time I got downstairs the club was already crowded. The music was bumping, the dance floor was full, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. I looked around taking in the scene. The artwork looked incredible, and I was extremely proud of the new lighting design as it flashed in time to the music.
We had done it, the club was bringing in great business tonight. Our strategy worked, Camille's idea paid off. My eyes scanned for the very intelligent girl who I had just thought about, but the crowd was so thick. Perhaps she hadn't arrived yet. Spotting Jacob and the crew off near the bar with smiles on their faces, I made my way over to them.
"Hey guys, have you seen Cam yet?", I yelled over the music.
Stix pointed to the dance floor with a smirk on her face. I briefly wondered what that was about, but shrugged it off and turned to follow where she was pointing. There was my Camille looking incredibly hot. She was wearing tight black jeans, and black monochrome Chuck Taylor's.
What really caught my eye was the top. It was red, and looked a lot like a bikini top only there were straps crisscrossing her exposed midsection. I stood gawking and nearly drooling. I guess she decided to buy the sexy top, why did she decide to start being this bold after we started dating? This was definitely no good for my self control.
Damn, damn, dayum! I'm going to kill Kristin.
She was dancing happily, and smiling, she looked beautiful. Her friends were with her and they all looked like they were having a really good time. It was then that I noticed two guys I had never seen before dancing too close to Camille for my liking. I also didn't like the way they were staring at her. She spun and smiled at them as she danced, not even realizing how sexy she looked.
For just one second I let the feeling of jealousy wash over me, but quickly let it go. I knew Camille loved me, she was just doing what we both loved so much...dancing. And knowing her so well, I knew she had no idea of her appeal when it came to men.
So into the music, Camille didn't see me coming towards her. Kristin saw me and smiled before grabbing everyone so that Cam was alone. I caught her hand as she threw it out in a spin. Starled for a second, she calmed the instant she realized it was me. She threw herself into my hug, and I held her close, I had missed her so much. Seeing our interaction those two perverted asshats backed off immediately.
We were on the dance floor and I couldn't let the opportunity to dance with my girl pass me by. I didn't want her to stop having so much fun. Camille and I were always so perfectly in sync with each other there was often no need for words. She raised her brows at me in question, as the DJ slid the fader over and the next song started pumping. That was all it took.
We both started dancing, busting out choreography we remembered from our MSA crew battles. Adding some of our hip-hop duet showcase pieces from high school we were going off, together. The crowd around us grew.
Soon I went off on a freestyle kick and she just danced around me playing to the crowd. She blew me kisses, and made them laugh as she fanned herself playfully and mock fainted because my dance moves were so hot. She was unbelievably cute and the crowd was eating up our display. I loved that she just let go when she danced with me. She didn't think, or freak out, or worry, she just danced.
Growing louder and larger by the second, I soon heard my name being chanted. I guessed many in the crowd recognized me and my sneakers from the World Jam battle. The support of the crowd just hyped us up as we continued to wreck the floor song after song with no stopping.
Suddenly Jason's voice boomed over the speakers. "Moose and Camille, ladies and gentlemen. Two of the World Jam Champion House of Pirates' very own dancers".
The crowd exploded. I grabbed for her and swung her around, her face was glowing in pure joy, and I had felt the same thing. We were both so free when we danced, and when we danced together we were truly alive. I knew tonight was the right night to tell her, it was a perfect time. We had been dancing together, there was no better time.
Panting and out of breath both of us laughing, I whispered into her ear. "Need a break?".
"Yes please. Need some water".
Keeping her hand in mine I made our way through the crowd towards the bar. Reaching our destination I pulled her in front of me protectively. I didn't want anyone bumping into her, this place was crazy tonight.
"Cam, this is David. He's one of the bartenders here, but if you asked him he'd tell you he's the best bartender in the city".
I blew it up with David as he laughed at my comment.
"David, this is my beautiful girlfriend Camille", I introduced them.
David gave me that look guys give each other when they appreciate just how hot the other guy's girl is. Not like I needed his approval, I knew my girl looked good. Having no clue of the manly exchange that just occurred, Cam shook his hand, and smiled.
"Nice to meet you, David".
"Nice to meet you too. So tell me, what did a guy like Moose have to do to win a hottie like you?", he joked eyeing me in jest.
She giggled at his tone. "Oh you know, the usual, sell his soul to the devil, or most likely in his case, promise his favorite pair of kicks to an evil troll".
Both David and I laughed at her joke. Cam was really funny when she wanted to be, it was just another thing about her that I loved so much.
"I like her, Moose. She's a keeper".
"Don't I know it", I smiled down at her. "Two waters please".
"Sure thing".
He returned with our waters and was back to work serving the massive crowd. I looked over to see Tevin and the Ticks dancing all over the floor with a crowd around them cheering. Jason's voice cut in over the music again.
"The newest Pirate, ladies and gentlemen! Let's hear it for TEVIN!"
Once again the crowd cheered loudly and I smiled happily. Our NYU friends joined us at the end of the bar, laughing and complimenting us on our killer dance moves.
"If I thought you guys were a mind reader couple before I don't know what to think now", Kristin offered.
"You guys are super crazy together when you dance, your moves just compliment each other. It's like you're communicating without words", Jenny added.
Cam and I just looked at each other, she blushed a bit, and I smiled. They were right, we were always this way when it came to dance, but everything was even more heightened now.
"Thanks guys", she smiled.
Everyone headed over to the dance floor as I pulled Cam closer to me. I didn't want to do any fancy dance moves right now I just wanted to move with her slowly to the beat. I just wanted to be near her. The entire crew kept the crowd going, putting on a show. Kristin, and Mimi danced with the twins, and Jenny swayed with Dylan. I guess Cam was right about those two.
Camille was smiling which made me smile too. All I ever want is for her to be happy. So far this had been such a great night and I understood why. The two loves of both of our lives were here, each other, and dance. Jacob came over and leaned in so we could hear him over the music.
"If you guys need a break or get hungry, or anything, just head upstairs. We have food and drinks for the crew".
We nodded and decided we were going to head up. Seeing us Anala, Stix, the Ticks, and Jason joined us. They had been dancing all over the place as well. Mohawk took over on the emcee duties, as Legz, Spinz, Martin, Marcos and Radius took over the floor. Cam let her friends know they were welcome upstairs if they wanted but they opted to stay in the club.
Once upstairs I pulled Cam aside wanting some alone time with her. The chorus of "Oooooooooooooooo" from the crew caused her to blush hot, but I didn't care what they thought I was determined to tell her.
I lifted her light frame up onto the half wall in front of the foam pit room, and standing between her legs, I bent to give her a light kiss. Camille tried to deepen the kiss, but I backed away. I felt like I couldn't give into the need to be close to her in that way until she understood what I wanted to say to her.
Cam's face turned into a mask of hurt. I hadn't meant to make her feel that way but I guess it was expected since we hadn't really had time to be alone together in days.
"Moose", she started in a soft voice, "why haven't you really kissed me?". She looked away from my face. "Didn't you miss me? Do you even like my outfit? You haven't said anything", her voice broke.
"There is a reason for all my actions, Cam".
"There is?".
Her voice still wavered a bit, but she returned her gaze to me, her eyes searched mine.
"Yes, don't you trust me?", I moved closer to her.
"Of course I do, Moose", she relaxed.
"It's just…I've been trying to think of a way to tell you this for a little over a week".
Camille looked at me with a confused look on her face.
"Tell me what?".
"When we were together in the club just now we were both so happy, and alive. Don't you know why?", I asked her.
"Because we were dancing", she shrugged shyly.
"Yes, and what else?", I kissed the tip of her nose.
"We were together".
"Exactly! We're happiest when we're dancing together. That's how I knew it was time to tell you".
My hands holding onto her hips, she brought hers up around my neck, bringing us closer to each other. My eyes locked onto hers
It's now or never Moose.
"Camille, I love you. I'm in love with you", I confessed.
The words came easier than I thought they would. Her entire face lit up at my words, her smile grew so big. But I had to continue before I lost my courage, or she cut me off.
"I didn't want to say it during some make out session or after ogling you in your sexy outfit. I didn't want you to think it was my sex drive talking. I wanted you to know I really mean this. After dancing together, being here at our second home, among our new family, I thought it was the right time. I love you Camille, so much".
My fingers laced together resting on the small of her back and hers slid up my neck and into my curls as I knew they would. Her huge smile was still in place before she bit her lip, her big eyes still locked with mine.
"I'm in love with you too, Moose", she told me softly.
I gave her my knowing smile.
"Somehow you knew that, didn't you?", she asked.
Shrugging, and wrinkling my nose, I nodded giving her the affirmation to her question. Her blush spread over her cheeks, she looked down for a second, but immediately looked back up at me.
"It's okay, Cam. Don't be embarrassed. Knowing how you felt helped me realize what I was feeling for you. It was the day on the Brooklyn Bridge".
Camille's look of surprise and wonder shot right to my heart. She now understood that I realized the full extent of my feelings only days after she became my girl.
"It was a perfect moment", I continued, "the way you were looking at me, the way it made me feel. I knew in that moment I was in love with you. I love everything about you, Cam. Your sweet voice, your kind forgiving nature, your smile, your fire, your intelligence, your adorable mannerisms, the way you look out for me and take care of the people you love. I..I'm rambling, I know, but I love it all".
My lips were inches from hers now, her breath was hitched due to her emotions.
"Can I kiss you now, please?", she whispered sweetly.
"Yes, baby", I whispered back.
Camille closed the small space left between us kissing me softly. I showed each of her lips love gently taking them over and over again in slow sweet kisses.
We deepened the kiss but kept it soft. It was like we both understood without saying a word that there would be time for hot kisses another day. This was a special moment for us, and our actions reflected that.
I broke the kiss but still held her close, not wanting to let her go. A sly smirk slid across her face.
"So does that mean you like my outfit?", she teased.
She was too funny, did she not know how sexy she looked right now?
"Cam, you're joking right?", I asked sarcastically. "I've been fighting keeping my hands off of you all freaking night. You look so damn hot. I'm just happy you're mine".
"That's right", she cut in, "I'm all yours, Moose", she kissed me softly.
"Lucky me", I whispered against her lips.
"Moose", she leaned her head on my shoulder and whispered in my ear, "I think you look really hot too".
Her little fingers played in my curls then slid down to my collar where I had left my shirt open for her.
"I had to look good for my girl", I smiled.
"I'm just happy you're mine", she repeated my words from earlier.
"I'm most definitely yours, Camille. Your Moose".
"Lucky me".
She smiled as I lifted her off the wall by her waist and swung her around. Camille's happy giggles got the attention of some of the other Pirates who had come up for a break.
"Yo, check out Moose", Mohawk yelled. "Camille has him cheesing, big time".
The Pirates all stood smirking at my ridiculous, dorky display of affection and my gigantic cheesy grin. But I didn't give a shit what they thought.
"So?", I challenged them. "Moose loves Camille, and I don't care who knows".
They all stopped their teasing immediately. The smirks became smiles of realization and happiness for us.
"You told her", Anala stated with no question in her voice.
"I did", I smiled as I placed a giddy Camille back down onto the ground and kissed her gently.
Our crazy, insane, funny, messed up, sweet, silly, and totally awesome dance family cheered ridiculously making both Cam and I super embarrassed. However we couldn't stop the laughter that followed.
"Well then", Jacob broke in, "it seems we have more to celebrate. Let's get downstairs and dance".
He couldn't have been more right. So that is exactly what we did, we celebrated and danced the night away. Once again I knew I was the luckiest guy alive because I got to spend my night doing what I love with the girl I love.
A/N: The outfit I described Cam wearing is based on an photo shoot shot that Alyson shared on her Instagram.
